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The Improv Program

Level 1

This class teaches the basics of the iO style of improvisation as created by Del Close and Charna Halpern.
Cost: $275

Level 2

Here you will build on the teachings of Level 1 while allowing you to discover your strengths; it focuses on character creation, “the group mind” and object/environment work.
Cost: $275

Level 3

This class concentrates on the two-person scene, the anchor of long-form improvisation.
Cost: $275

Level 4

This is where you use all the skills you have acquired thus far in order to create the Harold, the signature long-form structure at iO.
Cost: $275

Level 4B

This class looks at other advanced types of long-form improvisation such as the Deconstruction, the Mosaic, the Bat, Close Quarters, the Living Room and more.
Cost: $275

Level 5

The advanced Harold level, here you will probe even deeper into the form, focusing intensely on the acting, editing, and group commitment that it takes to generate a 30-minute piece. There is 1 performance at the end of this level.
Cost: $275

Level 5B

This final level allows students to use their newly acquired improvisational skills to create an original long-form show. Performance Class shows run in the Del Close Theater for six or seven weeks after the class has ended.
Cost: $275

iO's New and Improved Writing Program

Level 1 - Talk Show Portfolio

Learn to write jokes (or two-liners) based upon the events of a given week. From this basic skill, the student heightens and explores the process into writing monologues and then onto the more formidable process of creating all the elements for a state-of-the-art portfolio, suitable for submission to a given talk show in pursuit of a TV writing job, or to an agent in pursuit of literary representation. Taught by Nate Herman
Cost: $300

Level 2 - Writing Sketch For Studio

WRITING SKETCH FOR STAGE Breaking down the task of writing (and staging) a state-of-the-art sketch review into weekly assignments. The class first meets with their cast and begins writing scenes specifically for them that include relationship sketches, teaching scenes, conceptual pieces and cast scenes. Then part way through the eight weeks, the cast returns to reads the material and the students begin to further build their sketch review by creating political/topical scenes, songs, as well as short scenes or blackouts. A week after the class concludes, sees the presentation of said sketch show with all the students pitching in to schedule rehearsals, promote the show, help the director with rehearsal, etc... The student leaves the class with a stage sketch packet of no less than eight sketches! Beginning January 2013 this class is a prerequisite to Writing Sketch for Screen
Cost: $300

Level 3 - Writing Sketch for Screen

WRITING SKETCH FOR SCREEN Breaking down the task of writing (and filming) a series of state-of-the-art sketches for screen. With a cast of four (two men and two women), the class will endeavor to create at least one two-minute sketch per class, per week, that examines the intrinsic qualities of sketch writing as it relates to both video and film. Although the main focus of the class will be on the writing of each sketch and exploiting everything that's available, the student will be highly encouraged to produce as many as possible. NOTE: The combination of "Writing Sketch For Stage" and "Writing Sketch For Scene" should give the student a rich sketch packet suitable for submission to "Saturday Night Live."
Cost: $300

Level 4 - Sitcom Spec Script

If you want to be a TV writer, you'll need a TV literary agent... and for that, you'll need a Sitcom Spec Script—which is a script, written on speculation of an existing TV comedy. In eight weeks, the student will be taken through the entire process: picking a show in which to spec, creating six separate pitches, developing the best single pitch, outlining the hybrid pitch, writing both a first and second draft and staging a reading in order to receive feedback from a live audience with an eye toward the best final draft possible.
Cost: $300

Level 5 - TV Pilot Presentation

This eight week class takes the student from beginning to end with regards to developing all the elements that go into a TV Pilot: the three aspects of a TREATMENT, CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS, EPISODE SCENARIOS, the writing and shooting of a two-minute PROMO, not to mention the writing and rewriting of the Pilot SCRIPT itself. Upon completion of the class, the student not only has a state-of-the-art TV Pilot packet, but also an example of his or her work suitable for submission to a literary agent!
Cost: $300

Screen Writing

Coming January 2013 - Learn the art and craft of writing scripts for feature films from Tim Kazurinsky and Michael McCarthy. This is a 16 week class. Payment plan available. Learn more about Tim Kazurinsky here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0443730/ Learn more about Michael McCarthy here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565258/
Cost: $600

Electives

Musical Improv

This workshop is good for anyone from the beginner who doesn't feel comfortable singing to the expert who loves to sing. If your goal is to improve, you will. Exercises cover the range from group sonic explorations to solo songs, from rhyming choruses and choreography to truth in comedy with music. The focus is on applying the basic long form tools of agreement and group mind to the realm of music. This is a very organic connection. Finding the games of things, making patterns, keeping a rhythm, and supporting your teammate's moves are essential to good improv and become even more relevant when the stakes are heightened to the point that music becomes necessary. Finding the truth in a moment brings even more rewards. The class will perform a final show in the Del Close theater at the end of the eight weeks. 8 weeks 18-person cap
Cost: $175

Solo Performance

Students will develop original performance pieces for one person shows, showcases, and auditions. They will create material through improvisation and short writing exercises, working both as a group and one-on-one with the teacher. Exercises will focus on taking the smallest ideas and expanding them into grounded, unique characters with strong points of view. The the eight-week session will culminate with a one-night showcase in front of an audience, where each student will present an original work.
Cost: $275

Teen & Youth Program

Teen & Youth Level 1

TBA
Cost: $200

Teen & Youth Level 3

TBA
Cost: $200

iO In England - 2013 Longform Intensive

iO in England - 2013 Longform Intensive

iO is pleased to announce iO in England - 2013 Longform Intensive, a week-long crash course that will immerse you in the world of long-form improvisation, giving you the tools you need to be a successful performer. Our instructors are working actors and improvisers, in the trenches themselves every day, so the training you get is always relevant and challenging. The iO In England: 2013 Longform Intensive is five days of focused coursework, Monday September 9th through Friday September 13th. Registration is limited to 75 participants, and the cost is $350 USD.
Cost: $350